Aim: To examine the skeletal and dental changes, together with soft tissue profile changes,
that occur after rapid maxillary expansion. Methods: Cephalometric films taken before and
after rapid maxillary expansion formed the basis of the study material of 10 male and 10
female patients, an average of 12.8 years of age. The expansion continued an average of 5.2
weeks with the activation of the expansion screw at twice a day (2 1⁄4 turn = 0.5 mm). The
changes in skeletal and soft tissue profile, incisor relationship, and lip structure were examined
in sagittal and vertical directions on the lateral cephalometric films. The measurements
were evaluated by a paired t test. Results and Conclusion: Important skeletal and soft tissue
changes were seen in sagittal and vertical vectors. After rapid maxillary expansion, it was
observed that while the maxilla and maxillary incisors moved anteriorly, the nose tip and
soft tissue of A point followed the hard tissue. After expansion, middle and lower facial
dimensions increased vertically. World J Orthod 2002;3:217222.

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